Hot Diggity is popping up at Hobbs Coffee (1 Park Avenue, Swarthmore, PA) this Friday, April 3rd at 6:30 p.m. for the shop’s annual Hot Dog Jamboree. And even if Hot Diggity’s Keith Garabedian wasn’t making his first hot dog appearance since the closure of his South Street restaurant, this would be a can’t miss event for hot dog fans. Also appearing at the event:

Keith Garabedian is closing his South Street hot dog shop after three-and-a-half praise filled years. Hot Diggity immediately seemed like it had always been on South Street and I never considered it would close. Garabedian shares a wonderful thank you letter to his customers, co-conspirators, chef friends and more.

Hot Diggity has teamed up with chef Scott Schroeder (South Philly Tap Room, American Sardine Bar) to create the South Philly Ripper. Schroeder brings North Jersey and South Philly together in this deep fried “Ripper Dog” that is then topped with with melted Provolone, French fries, fried onions, and spicy pepper relish.

The South Philly Ripper is available for a limited time. So get it soon.

In late October, Hot Diggity debuted the first of its regional sandwich specials with the Chow Mein sandwich. Now owner, KeithGarabedian is back with the Juicy Lucy. It’s a specialty of Minneapolis and features a half-pound burger stuffed with two ounces of cheddar cheese and topped with lettuce, tomato and sauteed onions.

Hot Diggity is kicking off a series of regional sandwich specials. First up is the Chow Mein Sandwich from Fall River, Massachusetts. According to owner Keith Garabedian, the sandwich has been a local classic since the 1930s when it “helped feed thousands of hungry laborers and immigrants.

The sandwich is made with Hot Diggity’s own chow mein, celery, peppers, carrots, scallions, ginger, garlic and soy. The sandwich is available with chicken or vegetables.

This Saturday, July 19th, the 3rd Annual Dog Days of Summer Cook-Off is back and bigger than ever. Last year’s event featured 11 restaurants and food trucks, and this year’s will feature 20. The judges’ decision will be much more difficult and as a visitor, your stomach will be much more full.

Starting at 1 p.m., guests are welcome to sample the hot dogs, enjoy craft beer from Victory Brewing Company, jam out to live music and even vote for their favorite dog of the day. General admission is free, but food/drinks tickets cost $10 for 4 and $30 for 15. Or, if you’re looking for that VIP treatment, spend $30 and get early access at noon, a VIP gift, and 20 food/drink tickets. Proceeds will go to the preservation of the Headhouse Square Shambles. To purchase tickets, click here.

Hot Diggity is hosting a retro hot dog dinner on Wednesday, February 5th at 8 p.m. Keith Garabedian and company are going to be cooking up some wild hot dog recipes from the 1960s. The dinner is $20 and gets you four courses of retro hot dog cuisine including glaze hot dogs, pink potato and hot dog salad and Asian hot dog casserole.

Seating is limited and the dinner is BYOB.

UPDATE: A second retro hot dog dinner has been added. Thursday, February 6th at 8 p.m. has been added. Call 267-886-9253 to reserve your spot.